ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Mines
Illegal sand mining
Sand is a minor mineral under Section 3 of the Mines and Minerals  Act, 1957 . Section 15 of the MMDR Act empowers the State Governments for making rules for regulating the grant of quarry leases, mining leases or other mineral concessions in respect of minor minerals and for purposes connected therewith. Hence, the regulation of minor minerals comes under the legislative and administrative domain of the State Governments.
Further, Section 23C of the MMDR Act empowers the State Governments to make rules for preventing illegal mining, transportation and storage of minerals and for the purposes connected therewith. Hence, control of illegal mining comes under the legislative and administrative purview of the State Governments.
However, Ministry of Mines has prepared a ‘Sand Mining Framework’ in consultation with Mining Departments of the States incorporating best practices amongst States with the objectives of sustainability, availability, affordability and transparency in sand mining. The ‘Sand Mining Framework’ has been circulated to all the State Governments for necessary action. Moreover, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has issued Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines, 2016, which, inter-alia, addresses the issues relating to regulation of sand mining.
This information was given by the Minister of Mines, Coal and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people on the start of holy month of Ramzan
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has conveyed his greetings on the start of the holy month of Ramzan.
In a tweet Shri Modi said “Ramzan gives an important message of serving the needy and underprivileged. It also reaffirms the importance of equality, brotherhood and compassion.”
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Ministry of Labour & Employment
Shri Bhupender Yadav launches Chemotherapy Services in 30 ESIC Hospitals across the country
The launch is a step in direction of realising Pime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji’s vision of all-round welfare of our Shram Yogis in India’s Amrit Kaal: Shri Yadav
ESIC to set up 15 new ESI Hospitals, 78 ESI Dispensaries
Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav launched Chemotherapy Services in 30 ESIC Hospitals across the country during the 191st meeting of the ESI Corporation at ESIC Headquarters in New Delhi today .
Shri Yadav said the launch is a step in the direction of realising Pime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji’s vision of all-round welfare of our Shram Yogis in India’s Amrit Kaal. With the start of in-house Chemotherapy Services, insured workers and their dependents will be able to get better cancer treatment at ease.
The Union Minister also Inaugurated a Control Room with Dashboards of ESIC. The dashboards will ensure better monitoring of resources and beds at ESIC hospitals, current status of ongoing construction projects, etc.
Shri Yadav said ESI Corporation has decided that to ensure the availability of skilled medical professionals in ESIC Hospitals, ESIC will take further its work in the field of medical education. He said the new ESIC Medical Colleges and Hospitals will be established after assessing the requirement. So far, 8 medical colleges, 2 dental colleges, 2 nursing colleges and one para-medical college have been established and are being run by ESIC , he added.
Various agenda items pertaining to improvement in Medical Care Services, Administration, Financial Matters were deliberated upon and decided in the meeting alongwith review of on-going construction projects.
In principle approval to set up 15 new ESI Hospitals, 78 ESI Dispensaries, increase in bed strength at ESIC Hospital, Beltola, Assam, ESIC Medical College & Hospital, K. K. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu and ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Faridabad, Haryana was given in the meeting.
Shri Yadav released Citizen Charter, Manual of Audit & Accounts of ESIC, Referral Policy and Equipment Policy during the programme.
Shri Yadav also felicitated 5 iGoT learners of ESIC who topped on the iGOT  learning platform from the ESIC Offices of Rajasthan, Kerala and Bengaluru. The platform aims at promoting capacity development among civil services.
Ms. Dola Sen, Member of Parliament, Shri Ram Kirpal Yadav, Member of Parliament, Ms. Arti Ahuja, Secretary , Dr.Rajendra Kumar, Director General alongwith Principal Secretaries/Secretaries of the state governments, representatives of employers, employees and other ESI Corporation members attended the meeting.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Indian Ports Association appoints Managed Service Provider for Port Enterprise Business System for Five Major Ports
As part of its efforts to promote Ease of doing Business through digital transformation and build a world class port infrastructure in the country, the Indian Ports Association  has appointed M/s Tech Mahindra as the Managed Service Provider for the five major ports at Mumbai ,Kolkata, Chennai, Deendayal Port and Paradip Port Trust. This initiative is a major step towards integrating the maritime sector and fostering growth and development of major public sector ports in the country.
M/s Tech Mahindra is partnering with world class leading players like M/s SAP, M/s Envision, M/s CISCO, M/s Dell, M/s RTCom and other major players. IPA has hired global consultancy services firm M/s Ernst Young to assist in conceptualizing Port-EBS and support IPA and ports in the implementation of this transformational initiative.
The proposed Enterprise Business System will comprise of three core solution components - Port Operations Solution, standard ERP solutions, and auxiliary solutions, and would tightly integrate with Port Community System  and other retained applications of ports, Enterprise Business standard processes and shared infrastructure on cloud, making it next generation modern system which will serve ports purpose in coming years. The system would be driven by transparent, simple and error-free business processes, easily measured by clearly defined key performance indicators, use latest technology to achieve strategic business objectives and integrate seamlessly with prevalent systems and devices. The solution proposes a cafeteria approach for ports, which allows them to select the systems that they want to be implemented as per their needs. This model enables a minimal efforts in a seamless manner if new ports opt to join the system in near future.
The Project Implementation and Stabilisation period is 20 months and Operations & Maintenance support is for 5 years.
Thefive major port trusts, viz, Mumbai Port Trust, Kolkata Port Trust, Chennai Port Trust, Deendayal Port Trust and Paradip Port Trust have come together in this collaborative effort towards building a common shared platform for modernization and automation of port processes. The key benefits from the system in Port and Shipping sector include:
- Improve India’s ranking in Ease of doing business
- Enable faster request processing in delivery of services with better turnaround time
- Reduction in manual intervention/documentation required
- Reduction in overall Transaction time and costs
- Improve the efficiency of port operations, quick turn round of vessel and subsequent less dwell time
- Dashboard to ports/MOS for Real Time MIS on cargo/ship movements & Exim transactions
- Simplified and accelerated procedures for cargo entry, exit or transit
- Enhanced transparency across systems
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities  to organise a ‘Samajik Adhikarita Shivir’ for distribution of aids and assistive devices to Divyangjan and Senior Citizens at Tikamgarh in Madhya Pradesh tomorrow
Union Social Justice and Empower Minster Dr. Virendra Kumar will grace the Shivir as the chief guest
Dr. Virendra Kumar, on this occasion, will also inaugurate a Swavalamban Kendra of NHFDC and ALIMCO-ASSRA for Beneficiary Registration & Equipment Service Center
A total of 6561 aids and assistive devices valued Rs. 2.32 crore will be distributed free of cost to 1092 Divyangjan and 479 Senior Citizens
Union Social Justice and Empower Minster Dr. Virendra Kumar will be the chief guest at a ‘Samajik Adhikarita Shivir’, organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities  in association with ALIMCO and District Administration of Tikamgarh at 12 Noon on 14.02.2022 at Rajendra Park, Tikamgarh in Madhya Pradesh.
The Shivir will witness the distribution of aids and assistive devices to ‘Divyangjan’ under the ADIP Scheme and to Senior citizens under ‘Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana’  of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
Dr. Virendra Kumar, in the presence of local public representatives, will also inaugurate a Swavlamban Kendra of National Handicapped Finance Development Corporation  alongwith ALIMCO ASSRA  for Divyang Beneficiary Registration & Assistive device repair service Center.
A total of 6561 aids and assistive devices valued Rs. 2.32 crore will be distributed free of cost to 1092 Divyangjan and 479 Senior Citizens at Block/Panchayat levels by following the SOP prepared by the Department in view of COVID-19 Pandemic.
Shri Rajan Sehgal, CMD, ALIMCO, senior officials from ALIMCO and District Administration will also be present on this occasion.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister speaks to Mr. Malcolm Turnbull, Prime Minister of Australia, on Phone
Prime Minister speaks to Mr. Malcolm Turnbull, Prime Minister of Australia, on Phone
Mr. Malcolm Turnbull, Prime Minister of Australia, made a telephone call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi today.
Prime Minister Turnbull thanked the Prime Minister for the success of his recent visit to India.
Prime Minister Modi expressed concern about the possible impact of the recent changes in Australian regulations for the skilled professionals’ visa programme. The two Prime Ministers agreed that officials from both sides will remain in close touch on the issue.
The two Prime Ministers also discussed the follow-up action taken after the visit of Mr. Turnbull to India last month, and the steps required to further strengthen the bilateral relationship.
Ministry of Finance
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT’S OUTREACH PROGRAMME ON GST
As a part of Central Government’s initiative to interact with all the taxpayers and stakeholders, the Central GST, Hyderabad Zone is conducting an Out-reach Programme, “Central GST in Every District for You” on 25.02.2020 at Goteti Kalyana Vedika, Near Swagat Grand, Rock Town Residents Conoly, Sai Nagar, L.B. Nagar, Hyderabad.
The session would be chaired by the Chief Commissioner, Central GST, Hyderabad Zone, Sri Vasa Seshagiri Rao. A team of officers would be present at the venue from 10.00 AM to 6.00 PM to address the queries of taxpayers on all matters related to GST Law and compliance mechanism.
For more details contact Superintendent  Shri C.V. Ramana Sharma, Phone No: 9849604835.(Visitor Counter : 130
Cabinet
Cabinet approves MOC in respect of tax matters between India and BRICS countries - Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa
Cabinet approves MOC in respect of tax matters between India and BRICS countries - Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given the approval for the signing of Memorandum of Cooperation  in respect of tax matters between India and the Revenue administrations of BRICS countries namely, Brazil, Russian Federation, China and South Africa
Objective:
The MoC aims to further promote cooperation amongst the BRICS Revenue administrations in international forum on common areas of interest in tax matters and in the area of capacity building and knowledge sharing. It envisages regular interaction amongst the heads of Revenue administration of BRICS countries to continue discussion on common areas of interest and strive towards convergence of views and meeting of the Experts on tax matters to discuss the contemporary issues in areas of international tax. In addition, the MoC accords confidentiality and protection to information exchanged under this MoC.
Impact:
The MoC will stimulate effective cooperation in tax matters. The collective stand of BRICS countries can prove to be beneficial not only to these countries but also to other developing countries in the long run in tax matters being steered by the G20.
Background:
The Heads of Revenue of the BRICS countries have been meeting regularly to discuss the potential areas of cooperation in tax matters and to exchange opinions and views based on the existing commitment to openness, solidarity, equality, mutual understanding, inclusiveness and mutually beneficial cooperation, as stated in the Goa Declaration issued on October 16, 2016. The BRICS countries have identified four areas of mutual interest on which understanding and cooperation can be further strengthened. The heads of Revenue of BRICS countries in their meeting held on the sidelines of FTA plenary at Beijing, China in May, 2016 decided to sign a MoC outlining these areas of cooperation.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs 
Cabinet approves measures to provide liquidity in the Power Sector Dues to the financial stress caused by COVID-19
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved a one-time relaxation to Power Finance Corporation  and Rural Electrification Corporation  for extending loans to Distribution Companies  above limits of working capital cap of 25% of last year’s revenues under Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana .
One-time relaxation would help in providing liquidity to the power sector and ensure payments by State Governments to DISCOMs.
Background:
The outbreak of the global pandemic COVID-19 in the country and the consequent nationwide lockdown has exacerbated the liquidity problems for the power sector. Revenues of the power distribution companies have nosedived as people are unable to pay for the electricity consumed while power supplies., being an essential service, have been maintained. Energy consumption has decreased substantially. The liquidity of the power sector is not expected to improve in the short term, as economic activity and power demand will take some time to pick up. There is, thus, an immediate need to infuse liquidity in the power sector for continuation of power supply.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
219.53 cr Total Vaccine doses  have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
2,90,752 doses administered in last 24 hours
India's Active caseload currently stands at 24,043
Active cases stand at 0.05%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.76%
3,102 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 4,40,87,748
2,112 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
89.98 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 2,09,088 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
MNRE and MoP host International Conference on “Citizen-centric energy transition: Empowering citizens with Mission LiFE in Egypt
● The Indian Pavillion at COP 27 showcases visionary citizen-centric energy access, transition, security and justice-related initiatives
● The Conference to hold discussion on ways to accelerate the deployment of energy efficient and low carbon technologies as well as market investment to facilitate and strengthen the global energy transition
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the Ministry of Power, Government of India, in partnership with Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency , Solar Energy Corporation of India  and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water , are hosting an International Conference on “Citizen-centric energy transition: Empowering citizens with Mission LiFE ” today at the India Pavilion at the ongoing COP-27 at Sharm-El-Sheikh in Egypt.
Chaired by Secretary, MNRE Mr Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, this special event showcases some of the visionary citizen-centric energy access, transition, security and justice-related initiatives that have bettered the lives of millions of people while embodying Mission LiFE’s Principles of nudging behaviours, enabling markets and influencing policies. The Conference is holding discussion on ways to accelerate the deployment of energy efficient and low carbon technologies as well as market investment to facilitate and strengthen the global energy transition.
The session featured Dr Gauri Singh, Deputy Director General of IRENA and Dr Ajay Mathur, Director General, International Solar Alliance , and chief executives of Indian Industry.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Need to build on community strength & customize role of technology according to their needs highlighted at National Conclave on Techneev@75
The need to build on the strength of the community and customize the role of technology according to the systemic needs of the community for changing their life and livelihood was highlighted at the National Conclave on Techneev@75, organized last evening in Delhi.
“Innovations often come from people who are hungry and are looking for solutions to their problems. Several efforts are being made to scale up such technologies and address gaps in them. Working together towards this will help bring forth the edge that technology needs for successful implementation,” said Secretary Department of Science and Technology  Dr. S Chandrasekhar at the inauguration of the National Conclave on Techneev@75.
He added that we need to recognize the strength of local knowledge systems, bring in necessary
S&T interventions, market the innovations, and find innovative mechanisms to reach the masses.
The National Conclave is the culmination of the yearlong Techneev@75 program organised jointly by the Department of Science Technology , Department of Biotechnology , the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research , and the Ministry of Earth Sciences  to bring together communities, societal change makers, and experts on one platform, showcased the significant outcomes and discussed key learnings and the way forward to explore how absorption of science and technology could be augmented at the _community level. It set a framework for strengthening the local innovation system in collaboration with the formal innovation System.
Dr. Debapriya Dutta, Head SEED Division, DST elaborated on how community change makers played a crucial role in adopting technology by the communities and emphasized the need for demystifying the role of technology in improving the life and livelihood of the community.
The learning from Techneev@75 program, including the models for strengthening the local innovation system, exploring the PPP model for sustainable livelihood system, S&T-based rural entrepreneurship development, commercialization and market orientation of local products, effective capacity building mechanisms and digitally enabled livelihood systems were presented at the conclave, by Dr. Kinkini Dasgupta Misra, Scientist, Vigyan Prasar.
Awards were presented to the winners of collage-making and video-making competitions conducted as a part of the TechNeev@75. The conclave also included experience sharing of noted science filmmakers, feedback from Techneev@75 coordinators, and a way forward session.
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SNC/RR
(Visitor Counter : 770
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Anurag Thakur confers the first ever SAI Institutional Awards to 246 athletes and coaches
Every athlete is an inspiration for his generation: Shri Anurag Thakur
Key Highlight
- Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri NisithPramanikalso graced the event
- A total of 162 athletes and 84 coaches have been conferred awards in the Outstanding Award and Best Award category for their performance in national and international competitions, with cash awards amounting to a total of Rs 85.02 Lakhs
Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Anurag Thakur conferred the first ever SAI Institutional Awards to 246 athletes and coaches today in New Delhi in the presence of Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri NisithPramanik. Secretary of Department of Sports Smt. Sujata Chaturvedi, DG SAI Shri Sandip Pradhan and other officials of Ministry were also present on this occasion.
A total of 162 athletes and 84 coaches have been conferred awards in the Outstanding Award and Best Award category for their performance in national and international competitions, with cash awards amounting to a total of Rs 85.02 Lakhs during the ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here. The awards acknowledge the exceptional performance of the SAI athletes and coaches under the various sports promotion schemes at the national and international level from 2016. The awards thus have been granted to the deserving candidates for the years of 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20.
Praising the award winners, Shri Anurag Thakur said, "I heartily congratulate all athletes and coaches who have been awarded today. Sports is very close to the heart of our PM Shri Narendra Modi ji and taking his vision forward, a host of facilities are being extended to athletes. Every athlete is an inspiration for his generation."
Shri Thakur also emphasized upon the importance of Sports being an integral part of the National Education Policy. "When the sporting achievements of a student are announced in his or her school, it inspires other students to look beyond just academics and include sports in their life. That is the power of an athlete. I am also glad that sport has become an integral part of the National Education Policy and therefore is a part of every student's life now," Shri Thakur added.
Minister of State Shri Pramanik said that it's a momentous occasion to see the awards given out in the year of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. I wish all the success to the champions. These awards are a way of assuring our athletes and coaches that the Sports Authority of India is always there to support them.
The categories of awards were Outstanding Award  and Best Award . The selection committee comprised senior SAI officials as well as eminent sports persons, who streamlined the nominations received from the Regional Directors of the various SAI National Centres of Excellence.
The awardees have also been given a special tailor-made blazer along with a citation.